What is the Trusted Teen CommUNITY Program?
In partnership with the Clinton Global Initiative, Voices for Vaccines, and the Public Good Project, we're forming a nation-wide network of teens committed to combating vaccine misinformation with trustworthy, science-based information.
The Trusted Teen CommUNITY (TTC) Program is a Unity initiative that trains and empowers young people to become informed, culturally aware vaccine ambassadors in their communities.
Built on the success of Unity’s Teen Advisory Council, the TTC equips teens with the knowledge, tools, and local adult mentorship they need to:
1. Share accurate information with their peers and families.
2. Counter misinformation effectively.
3. Inspire vaccine confidence across their community.
Four Steps to Becoming a CommUNITY Leader
| Step | Action | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Engage | We recruit 10,000 diverse TCLs across the country. | We will work with local adult mentors in communities nationwide to recruit, support and guide the TCLs. |
| Educate | TCLs participate in Unity-designed webinars and training sessions. | They learn vaccine science, communication skills, community engagement strategies, and how to address hesitancy with humility and credibility. |
| Empower | TCLs receive a communications toolkit and ongoing mentorship. | They lead or participate in local events, speak at schools and community centers, and leverage social media to share trusted vaccine information. |
| Recognize | Participants receive rewards and professional recognition. | This includes community service hours, official certification, and small honoraria to celebrate their contributions and sustain their motivation. |
Closing the Gap: The Need for Teen CommUNITY Leaders
As teens get older, preventive health and vaccination rates drop significantly. This is driven by key barriers that Teen CommUNITY Leaders (TCLs) are uniquely positioned to address:
Misinformation & Knowledge Gaps
Widespread health misinformation means that teens and parents often lack awareness of adolescent vaccine schedules.
Barriers to Access
Challenges like busy schedules, language barriers, and healthcare deserts all contribute to missed vaccination opportunities.
Erosion of Trust
Inconsistent information and inaccurate information create mistrust in healthcare institutions and providers.
Why Matters
The world has already seen the power of vaccines: life-threatening diseases like smallpox and polio were eliminated or dramatically reduced because people worked together on vaccines. We must continue this success. When adolescents miss vaccines and preventive care, they enter adulthood vulnerable to preventable diseases and without the crucial health habits needed for lifelong wellness.
How TCLs Will Make a Difference
Teens today are uniquely positioned to solve this crisis—they're passionate about truth, and they're ready to make an impact. We're here to back you up!
With expert training and dedicated adult mentorship, you’ll gain the knowledge and platform to become a trusted advocate. Help us spread the truth about vaccines and encourage your community to prioritize lifelong wellness.
Join us and be the difference.
